The gifts of God are not always what they seem. There are many tales from all over the world showing us that we should take care when asking God for anything, as we often get what we ask for. Take warning from the tale of King Midas, who thought himself wise.

The god Dionysus was pleased with King Midas, for he had looked after the satyr Silenus when he was wounded and needed help, and returned him to the god. So Dionysus granted Midas any wish he might ask for.
Midas said: "Grant that whatever I touch will turn to gold."

Dionysus granted Midas's wish, and the king was delighted. He broke a twig from a low-growing branch and it turned to gold. He touched a clod of earth and a stone and they turned to gold. He picked up an apple and it turned to gold. He touched the pillars of the palace doorway and they turned to gold. Even the water in which he washed splashed gold over him.

But when he reached for food, it turned to gold. Midas could not eat or drink, and soon he was in a torment of hunger and thirst. Worse still, when his beautiful young daughter ran to him and hugged him, she too turned to gold. He was in despair. Gold, which was once his heart's desire, was now hateful to him. Midas pleaded with Dionysus to free him from his wish.

Dionysus took pity on him and realised Midas wanted to let go of his greed.
He said: "To cancel the gift, you must go to the source of the River Pactolus. Bathe in the spring there and wash away your greed."
Midas did as he was told, and the golden touch washed away in the river.

Reprinted with permission from the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, from the Teachers' Guide for Value-based Spiritual Education. Curriculum for Classes I to X, 2000, Sahaj Marg Research and Training Institute of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Chennai, India. For information contact Santosh Khanjee, Secretary of International Affairs at info@srcm.org.

Q: What is greed?

Q: Is greed only for gold and money, or can it also be for other things? What other things?

Q: How are greed and desire related?

Q: Was Midas's suffering caused by the god or by Midas himself?

Q: What did it take for Midas to realise that he had become a slave to his greed?

Q: Did the god Dionysus show mercy or judgement?

Q: What do you think of the statement that you must be careful for what you pray, as God may grant it to you?

Q: Do you have wishes for things that may not actually be really good for you? How do you think you might change your attitude towards these desires?

Q: How does modern-day advertising play upon and encourage our desires? Think of a particular advertisement that had an impact on you. How do you think you can be more aware of the effect advertising has on you in the future?

O, Master!
Thou art the real goal of human life.
We are yet but slaves of wishes
Putting bar to our advancement,
Thou art the only God and power
To bring us up to that stage.